Dry Cleaners Cancer Lawsuits | Toxic Exposure

Compensation in Dry Cleaning Cancer Lawsuits

Due to pressure from consumer protection groups and studies that indicate an increased risk of certain cancers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) ban.

TCE is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Exposure to the toxin can also lead to damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and fetal heart defects. PCE, also known as PERC, may cause liver, kidney, bladder, brain and testicular cancer, as well as damage to the immune system, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity.

The Link Between Dry Cleaning Chemicals and Cancer

Today, individuals diagnosed with cancers potentially caused by long-term exposure to dry cleaning solvents are filing dry cleaning cancer lawsuits to hold employers, property owners, and chemical manufacturers accountable. These legal actions seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering associated with toxic exposure.

Perchloroethylene (PERC) and Health Risks

PERC has been the dominant chemical used in dry cleaning since the 1950s. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PERC as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen. Studies show that long-term occupational exposure can increase the risk of developing cancers, including:

• Bladder cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma

How Exposure Happens

• Workers in dry cleaning shops often inhale chemical vapors during cleaning cycles, pressing, and handling freshly cleaned clothes.
• Communities living near dry cleaning facilities may be exposed through contaminated air, soil, and groundwater.
• Consumers generally face minimal risk, but prolonged contact with chemically treated clothing can cause irritation and low-level exposure.

Throughout the country, workers involved in dry cleaning, carpet cleaning, furniture and upholstery cleaning, and general maintenance crew cleaning are routinely handling toxic chemicals like PCE, endangered on a daily basis, and risk later developing serious health complications including lung diseases and bladder cancer.

Benzene is one widely used chemical in a number of industries and products, although many workers remain unaware of the toxic danger of this substance, or are unaware that their cleaning products contain Benzene. Dry Cleaners and carpet cleaners who work in close proximity to PERC, benzene or benzene-containing products can be put at serious exposure risk.

Exposure to dry cleaning and carpet cleaning products containing benzene and other toxins may cause life-threatening diseases including bladder cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), lung cancer and lymphomas. Dry cleaning cancer cases are more common than previously thought.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Personal Injury Lawyer who has represented individuals nationwide in toxic tort claims. If you have been exposed to dangerous chemicals at the workplace, and have questions about your legal rights, please contact The Lyon Firm.

Toxic Carpet Cleaners & Dry Cleaning Cancer

The most common PERC and Benzene exposure pathways are through inhalation, but the toxins can also enter the body through skin absorption via cleaning products. Once in the bloodstream, benzene affects the bone marrow and blood forming cells, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Benzene and PERC are associated with the following types of occupational dry cleaning cancer:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Breast Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Aplastic Anemia
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Childhood leukemia
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Hairy Cell Leukemia
• Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) researchers warn that carpet and certain fabrics provide a reservoir for chemicals adsorbed to dust, including pesticides, lead, heavy metals, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

One study commissioned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene emitted from many carpet products in the country.

Dry Cleaning & Carpet Cleaning Toxins

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of possible damage to the bladder, liver and kidneys when using certain dry cleaning and carpet cleaning products. Some commonly used products contain perchloroethylene (PERC or PCE), a popular dry cleaning cancer causing chemical linked to nausea, dizziness and fatigue.

Naphthalene, a solvent used to dissolve dirt accumulated in carpets, is considered dangerous to the human central nervous system and is potentially carcinogenic. Some of the solvents used for carpet cleaning contain Butyloxy ethanol, potentially causing damage to the liver, central nervous system and kidneys. Other toxins may include:

• Acetone
• Butyloxy ethanol
• Benzene
• Naphthalene
• Perchloroethylene
• Caprolactam
• Diethylene glycol
• p-Dichlorobenzene
• Formaldehyde
• Hexane
• Styrene
• Toluene
• Xylenes
• Vinylcyclohexene

Commercial Cleaning Hazards

Hundreds of commercial cleaning products used in many capacities in almost all of American institutions and households may contain harmful toxins like Benzene, Formaldehyde and Toluene—known cancer-causing agents that may lead to Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Workplaces like schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and manufacturing plants commonly use strong cleaning chemicals. Maintenance crew, janitors and housekeepers who handle these products on a daily basis could be at particular risk for developing health issues like asthma, other respiratory illnesses and dry cleaning cancer. Some common products that may contain dangerous chemicals include:

• Carpet cleaners
• Solvents
• Degreasers
• Disinfectants
• Sanitizers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has acknowledged the health dangers of commercial carpet cleaning, and with the OSHA has provided some safety guidelines to help protect American workers from toxic chemical exposure and certain cancer risks. Both agencies recommend employers protect their workers by considering the following:

• Using non-benzene-based cleaning products
• Workplace Ventilation Risks
• Using chemical-free cleaning systems
• Providing safety equipment like gloves, masks and respirators
• Properly training workers and monitoring the cleaning products in use

Steps Victims Should Take After a Cancer Diagnosis

• Seek Immediate Medical Care: Ensure diagnosis and treatment are documented.
• Collect Work and Residential History: Record where and when exposure may have occurred.
• Consult an Experienced Lawyer: Toxic exposure attorneys can evaluate your case.
• Consider Filing a Lawsuit: Legal action can secure compensation and hold companies accountable.

Workers Filing Toxic Exposure Claims

Many lawsuits have been filed by dry cleaning employees and plant workers diagnosed with cancers after years of handling PERC without adequate protective equipment. These lawsuits typically allege that employers failed to:

• Warn workers about the risks of PERC.
• Provide proper ventilation systems.
• Supply protective gear such as respirators and gloves.